Simulation Training in Obstetrics: Survey of participants in a low-fidelity training

Abstract

Background Childbirth is a physiological process. However a normal delivery may suddenly turn into a life-threatening emergency. In this case, maternal and infant health depends largely on appropriate and timely interventions, and effective teamwork of all professionals. In order to meet the complex requirements, different concepts for interdisciplinary simulation training in obstetric emergencies have been developed and evaluated mainly in Scandinavian and English-speaking countries. In this context, both high-fidelity and low-fidelity trainings have been found to be effective. In German-speaking countries, the effectiveness of simulation in obstetric emergency training for multidisciplinary teams has not been evaluated extensively or systematically. The objective of this study was to explore whether or not simulation training is effective in improving obstetric emergency management. Method Quantitative and qualitative data was derived and evaluated via questionnaire from obstetric pre-training and 4 months post-training. Participants were asked how they perceived their own competence and how confident they felt in emergency situations, how they rated their team's cooperation and communication, whether they felt secure in how to proceed in emergencies, and how important they considered the patient's perspective in such situations to be. Results 48 questionnaires pre- and post-training were analysed. Nearly all items changed significantly. In open questions, participants were invited to suggest potential for improvement to their work environment; these suggestions were analysed descriptively. Conclusion Professionals felt that simulation training was effective. They experienced better management of obstetric emergencies post-training.